Lady in Red

Karen Hawkins has cleverly linked the historical romance series of the St. John brothers with a legend surrounding a talisman ring, which was purchased by their mother from a gypsy. The brothers have all come to believe that whoever is in possession of the ring will meet his downfall in the arms of a bride. The marriage-shy gentlemen have slyly passed the ring off to each other to avoid stepping up to the alter. As each of these romantic tales has shown, there is no escaping the power of the family ring. Marcus, the Marquis of Treymount and head of the St. John family, is irritated that his younger brother has lost the family ring and feels duty bound to locate it for its sentimental value.

As fate would have it, the ring has fallen into the hands of a woman Marcus has taken a strong disliking to: Miss Honoria Baker-Sneed. The feeling is mutual, for Honoria has often been forced to bid against the arrogant Lord Treymount at antiquities auctions. She has always admired his fine taste and handsome physique, but his overbearing pompous attitude has always been his most dominant and off-putting feature.

Honoria’s family is struggling financially due to an investment misfortune. When Marcus calls, asking for the ring back, Honoria sees that this is an opportunity to boost the finances whilst goading the egotistical Marquis. Marcus steadfastly refuses to pay Honoria’s outrageous asking price for his own property and states that he will give her a week while he gives the matter some thought. Whilst she is gloating because she believes that she has the upper hand, Marcus knocks Honoria off her feet and kisses her in a fury. The highly charged kiss very quickly turns passionate, which is a complete surprise for both of them.

As a huge follower of Karen Hawkins, this reader has been looking forward to Marcus’ story. As I had expected, this romance kept me turning pages deep into the night as I was totally absorbed in the emotionally heated romance and many laugh out loud moments. The author’s quirky humour and very open insight into her characters’ thoughts and reactions quickly makes readers feel that they are involved. Honoria is the perfect partner to Marcus, she will never bow to his pomposity, instead she forces him to take a real look at how hard-hearted he has become. Whilst she’s making Marcus aware of his physical needs, Honoria has also aroused a long neglected, tender and caring side. Originally intent only on getting the ring back, it slowly dawns on Marcus what a treasure Honoria is. Although he has known her for years, Marcus sees Honoria through new eyes. Of course, he is thinking lust not love. Honoria was content with her choice to remain a spinster and her motives were always noble. She never meant for matters to get out of hand and her hot-headed attempts to set them right only inflame the passions and attentions of the Marquis all the more. Even Marcus is taken aback by his own out of character behaviour, he is never sure what his frequent heated clashes with Honoria will cause him to do… and neither of them will ever back down from a battle.

Lady in Red is an absolute must have for historical romance fans. If you have not read any of the St. John Talisman Ring series (An Affair to Remember, Confessions of a Scoundrel, How to Treat a Lady, And the Bride Wore Plaid) yet, you are in for a real treat. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and cannot wait for Karen Hawkins' next release. Definitely Highly Recommended!

Reviewed by: Naomi